On Saturday night I was out at the Edward’s Trust Ball. Edward’s Trust is a fantastic charity which provides a wide range of support services to bereaved families and children. They don’t receive any government funding despite the NHS referring children, so they really rely on charitable donations.
I’ve previously been to the Edward’s Trust Garden Party where I saw an exhibition of the artwork done by children who had lost a parent. There were pictures painted both prior to, and having received, the support of Edward’s Trust and there was no better way to demonstrate the impact that the work of ET has. Even thinking about those pictures makes me want to cry. But being a snivelling wreck doesn’t help anyone does it? However running a half marathon for Edward’s Trust hopefully will. So on Sunday 18th October, that is what I shall be doing – running the Birmingham half marathon for Edward’s Trust.
Last year I asked if anyone would be happy to donate to my Just Giving page and I was overwhelmed with the kindness of people who supported me. So despite it making me feel slightly uncomfortable, I’m going to ask again – because sometimes doing what feels wrong, is actually the right thing to do. I hope that no-one ever needs to use the services of ET or a similar organisation but knowing that it exists offers comfort. So anyway, here’s my just giving page. Just in case anyone would like to give – even just a little. (Thank you, I’ll try not to let anyone down.)
As with most events these days, I prefer a slightly more dressed up/dressed down look – mostly because I find it warmer and more comfortable. So this is the look that I opted for on Saturday night and how I went about creating it.
1. Take one pair of black trousers….
I love my silky track pants from Topshop and Boden has a great pair this season, which you can see here (£69 but currently in the sale for £60.03). The reviews are actually very, very positive for Bodenites and I am tempted with the navy. Because of course we all need about 10 pairs of navy trousers in our wardrobes don’t we?
For anyone looking for a slightly different style of trousers, joggers – ignore the term, it conjures up images of 1980’s style shell suits and headbands – are a great place to start. They are versatile and flattering both with flats and heels, blazers, biker jackets and long coats. And not many trousers can make that claim!
2. Take one top with enough coverage to keep warm (yes there was a vest underneath, albeit silky and black) but which has enough about it so as not to look like a t-shirt or a work top!
I also wore a brocade top from Miss Selfridge which I bought last winter, just before Christmas. I’ve checked and I can’t see anything similar at the moment but leave it with me and I’ll see what I can come up with. In the meantime, Jigsaw has this cropped top (£79) which (I think) would be the perfect length with these trousers. It’s not really cropped in the sense that we think of cropped, rather just waist length as opposed to hip length or below. It sold out in ivory in the summer so it’s good to see it back in stock. It would be great with a big statement necklace to make it slightly dressier and it would also work with anything which has a slightly higher waistband, such as a pleated skirt.
3. Add a pair of heels- go a high as you can!
As for shoes, I ordered these from the Karen Millen sale after Christmas for £40 instead of £140. It was the first time that I wore them and they were really comfortable. High, but comfortable! They are currently on the site for £90. I would be tempted to ring Bicester!
4. Stick on a pair of chandelier ear-rings from Stella & Dot (£40) – and Bob’s your uncle.
The only problem is, I don’t have a gold watch. So that’s my Christmas pressie sorted, which Mr SG is pretty happy about.
I have to apologise for the photo. My photographer thinks that every other photo should be of her so she flips the screen without me knowing to take a photo of herself. This leaves me with half of the photos that I would normally get. And believe me, I need more than two to choose from.
Love this outfit! I'm stalking the Jade joggers in the hope that navy comes back into stock in a size 8R!
Hi Rachel – yes me too! I am very tempted to give them a try. Good luck! x
Stunning outfit especially the trousers. You look marvellous. I have a silk brocade top that I bought from J Crew very cheap. I was stunned to see Catherine Martin when she won two Academy awards arrive back in Sydney wearing my exact top. I have the top but not the accessories she held in each hand – an academy award for best costume and one for best production design for The Great Gatsby. You would love my pants that I wear with the top – bright pink Joseph trousers that are shaped and pegged like loose jodhpurs. here is a link to Catherine Martin and the top http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/07/article-2575304-1C17FB3800000578-339_634x709.jpg
Yeah! I managed to find the picture eventually! Great top. Gorgeous. Maybe slight overkill with the trousers for me but she has the personality to carry it off. I can imagine how chuffed you were to see that! Love the sound of the trousers too. x
Hi, I really like the earrings and the sandals, do you know if the earrings will be on sale later on? 🙂 I would like to find a pair of similar gold sandals, I like the closed front as it suits me as holds my foot better, but I would need a chunkier heel and maybe a platform, I can't walk in these slim heels and no platform, please let me know if you find something like that during your rounds…! Thanks.